Longleaf summer bluet (Houstonia longifolia, Fruct. Sem. Pl. 1: 226 (1788))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: Gaertn.

Bibliography: Fruct. Sem. Pl. 1: 226 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Houstonia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Longleaf Summer Bluet, scientifically known as Houstonia longifolia, is a captivating perennial plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. First documented by Gaertn. in 1788 under the comprehensive work “Fruct. Sem. Pl. 1: 226,” this species has established a broad geographical range that spans from Canada to the central and eastern regions of the United States.

The Longleaf Summer Bluet is renowned for its delicate beauty and resilience. Its slender, long leaves are a distinctive feature, setting it apart from other members of the bluet family. These leaves are typically linear to lanceolate, offering an elegant backdrop to the plant’s petite, azure-blue flowers. Each blossom is comprised of four fused petals, creating a small tubular shape that yields a soft burst of color.

Flourishing in open, sunny habitats, the Longleaf Summer Bluet thrives in prairies, grasslands, and open woodlands. It prefers well-drained soils and can often be found in sandy or rocky substrates, which provide excellent drainage. This hardy plant is especially remarkable for its adaptability to various environmental conditions across its extensive range.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Longleaf Summer Bluet plays an important role in its ecosystem. It attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for maintaining the health and biodiversity of its habitat. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, providing a crucial nectar source during this period.

Overall, the Longleaf Summer Bluet is a splendid example of North America’s native flora. Its elegant appearance and ecological importance make it a valuable addition to natural landscapes and a subject of interest for botanists and horticulturists alike.

Common Names

Eng: longleaf bluet, longleaf summer bluet, long-leaved bluets, long-leaved houstonia, slender-leaved bluets
Fra: houstonie à longues feuilles
En: Longleaf summer bluet, LONG-LEAF SUMMER BLUET, Longleaf bluet, Long-leaved bluets, Long-leaved houstonia, Slender-leaved bluets
Fr: Houstonie à longues feuilles

Synonyms

• Chamisme longifolia ((Gaertn.) Nieuwl.)
• Hedyotis purpurea var. longifolia ((Gaertn.) Fosberg)
• Oldenlandia purpurea var. longifolia ((Gaertn.) A.Gray)
• Houstonia purpurea var. longifolia ((Gaertn.) A.Gray)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New York (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Oliver Leich (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2019 by Arielle Ninety-One (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5338830)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:278294-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Houstonia longifolia Gaertn.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth